Rep. Tom Reed: We need to move forward

Tuesday

Oct 15, 2013 at 10:00 AMOct 15, 2013 at 10:00 AM

By James Post

The Corning Leader

WASHINGTON ó As the government shutdown drags on, and the deadline for a debt ceiling extension looms on Thursday, U.S. Rep. Tom Reed is distancing himself from those in his party who welcome the current situation, while proposing a legislative solution likely to arouse the ire of Republicans and Democrats alike.

Reed acknowledged Monday having expressed "frustration" towards some members of the Republican party in private meetings last week.

"I tried to express the need to move forward, to resolve this situation in a positive way," Reed said.

Reed also suggested that those who are focused on a political win might "wake up" when they see the reaction of financial markets to the possibility of the U.S. defaulting on its debts.

He also distanced himself from some members of his party who "have pledged never to raise the debt ceiling," and have used that pledge to appease more conservative constituents.

Reedís proposing a plan that would link automatic increases in the debt ceiling to targeted budget deadlines Ė something not likely to please those in the party who see any increase in the debt ceiling as a defeat Ė while also calling for $230 billion in spending cuts, which wonít please Democrats.

The proposal, co-sponsored by Rep. Cory Gardner, a Republican from Colorado, would increase the debt ceiling through the end of the year with the understanding that negotiations would result in a budget resolution by Dec. 31. When that resolution passes, with Reedís $230 billion in cuts in place, the debt ceiling would get an automatic one-year extension.

If the requirements are met, the debt ceiling would again get an automatic extension with the passage of a budget at the end of 2014.

"Itís an honest, reasonable approach," Reed said.

Itís unlikely at this point that Reedís proposal will get a hearing. The next step is likely to be a new proposal from the Senate, which will get a vote in the House, or not, depending on House Speaker John Boehner. Boehner has previously refused to bring bills for a vote unless a majority of Republicans support them.

The House could also make changes to a Senate bill and send it back to the Senate for another vote.

Reed acknowledged that the spotlight was on the Senate Monday, but noted that any deal would still have to be passed by the House.

"The focus in the last 24 hours has been on the Senate, but I think the House is going to play a critical role," he said.